So I've talked into doing the SBF in my 54. I wanted to know what you guys are using for exhaust? Headers? Maifolds? I have a set of 68 302 Ford 4bl maifold but they are going to need work don't want to spend the money on them if I don't have to.
I know there are exhaust manifolds that offer more clearance than mine, but I used stock manifolds from the 88 Lincoln that my 302 came out of simply because they were free and I'm working on a tight budget (see the thread ***led "Houston 54 Build Thread") The big issue is typically the steering box, and mine clears by about 1/2 inch. Just to make myself feel better, I took about 1/4 inch of material off of the rib sticking out of the exhaust manifold where it's closest to the steering box, but I don't think it was really necessary. Anyway....it's what came on the 302 that I ended up with and I decided to give them a try and they're gonna work fine. I'm running an Edelbrock Performer intake that I got on Craigslist and an Edelbrock 4 bbl carb that also came from Craigslist that is essentially brand new. Haven't fired it up yet, but I'm getting close. I just sunk some large cash in my gas tank and radiator so it's serious penny pinching time now.
I kind of lucky with my motor. It was in a Mustang I had for a long time just never driven. I should move the 54 along pretty good. Thanks for the info
Send me a pm with your email address and I can send you some pics of manifolds that will provide max clearance.
I have a pair of used shorty headers out of a newer Mustang and a pair of 71 Torino manifolds if they will help any. I can send you pics if you want.
If you can get hold of some early mustang manifolds, they will clear the steering box no problem. With the later smogger manifolds there is a rib cast into the manifold that can be "relieved" to increase clearance to the stock steering box but it is still tight. greg
The Mustang shorty headers hit the steering box and the A-frames both,found out the hard way.I sent him some pics of what will fit,also with a 302 swap it is a good idea to use a mini-starter DB Electrical has them for a really good price, and do they crank!
Hey Jeff....I'm about to go buy a starter. I've heard you recommend the mini-starter a few times, and I'm sure it's good advice, but will a stock starter work? Is it a matter of just being tight, or is it a matter of not working at all? I like to stick to the stuff available at the parts house if I can, instead of mail order stuff. Don't get me wrong, the mail order stuff is very nice sometimes, but I like to keep my repair parts down to being able to hop in the car and back and get broken cars running in a few hours.
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